Latin American Studies

The Latin American Studies Center offers three academic programs for undergraduates: the Latin American Studies Major, the Latin American Studies Minor, and the Latin American Studies Semester (LASS).

The Latin American Studies Major is an interdisciplinary program with a focus on the study of social problems of Latin America. Latin America's art, literature, and religious thought have been universally recognized for their high quality and contribution to world civilization. At the same time, extreme social inequality persists in Latin America in addition to rapid urban growth, dramatic ecological change, and political upheavals with powerful local and global implications. The Latin American Studies major offers a variety of courses that examine these issues. To complete the major, students must take twelve 3-credit courses in Latin American Studies, and demonstrate a reading and speaking knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese.

Requirements for the Major

Department

Course #

Course Name

Hours

RCI

Introduction to Latin American Studies- Select one:

3-6

LAS

C050

Perspectives on Latin America or
The Latin American Studies Semester Program (LASS)

Requirements for the Minor

The Latin American Studies Minor enables students to combine the requirements of their majors with the study of Latin America. It is designed to be of particular value to students who intend to engage in technical, professional, business, or government work involving Latin America. To earn the minor, students must complete six 3-credit courses in subjects with a Latin American emphasis, and demonstrate a reading knowledge and speaking facility of Spanish or Portuguese.

Department

Course #

Course Name

Hours

RCI

Select one Introductory Course:

3-6

LAS

C050

Perspectives on Latin America or
Latin American Studies Semester Program (LASS)

IS

LAS

Electives

Select four or five courses depending on number of credits of
chosen introductory course.

12-15

Total

18

Students also must demonstrate reading knowledge and speaking facility of Spanish or Portuguese through one of the following methods:

Spanish or Portuguese

or

LASS

or

Proficiency examination

0100+

Latin American Studies Semester

3

6

Please note: LASS Program counts as one introductory course and one elective.

Distinction in Major

Latin American Studies majors may graduate with distinction in the major if they have a GPA of at least 3.5 in the major and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

Latin American Studies Semester (LASS)

The Latin American Studies Semester (LASS) is a 15-credit total immersion, interdisciplinary program designed to teach students to speak Spanish or to increase greatly their Spanish language fluency in one semester. The course meets daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and includes, in addition to Spanish language skill acquisition, the study of Latin America through social science, literature, and film. The highlight of the course is a trip to Mexico during the Spring Break. LASS is offered each spring semester.